Fast Times at Patrick Henry High

Though it’s been at least 30 years since I’ve seen Kim Stempien, it seems like yesterday that we were running together on the track and cross country teams at Patrick Henry High School in San Diego, California.

A few weeks ago, Kim became an OESHer and since then, we’ve been writing back and forth, filling in as many details about our lives as can be covered in emails. Kim and her husband, Dan, are living on a homestead in Northern California with their two children. Kim, an elite runner in high school and college (UC San Diego) just started a cross-country team for her children’s school. She’s been a lifelong runner, but had been sidelined for the past year because of injuries. Kim was searching for good shoes, found OESH, and here’s the story (with a few of my explanations in parentheses)…

“Well, I honestly think about you guys EVERY day because I LIVE in my OESHes. And then with Earl Scrugg dying… made me think of you guys more. I imagined Jayme (our oldest daughter, age 15, has been playing the banjo since she was 7) playing one of his tunes to you guys after dinner some night last week and my good ol’ hubby has an Earl Scruggs vinyl on display in his honor.

So in my first short run with the OESHes, I was a little concerned how they would do on rocky or uneven terrain, Casey. But I’m glad you said you run in yours in the woods by you guys. (Our girls and I run on trails that go out from our backyard into the woods… when it’s not deer hunting season). I’ve since baptized mine in rain, mud, creeks and … milk. I’m sometimes too hard on the things I own. If they work, I use them whenever/wherever. I’m not one for preserving my stuff, but it seriously bummed me out when a gallon jar of raw milk broke when I was doing the dairy run last week. The bar popped out when I opened the farmer’s door and dang if one of those jars didn’t bust open near my new shoes. I don’t know if he understood why I ran off from the mess to find a hose. I am pleased to say they don’t have sour milk smell!

So the OESHes rock on dirt trails, too. Dan gave me crap for walking through Salt Creek with them on our family hike last weekend. I hated to do it but there was no turning back on this loop that traverses an old mining area. The creeks are all running full force after the rain blitzing we’ve gotten the last couple of weeks! I figured the shoes were good for it and they are fine. Nothing a little woodstove heat can’t solve, eh?

You guys will have to fill me in on some of the stories you told the girls, Casey. I have such a bad memory, that it’s all a blur. I can’t remember hardly anything from our high school days. I just remember the good emotions from being & running with you, Casey, and the team!”

Thankfully, I don’t remember a whole lot from high school either but I do remember running through the hilly neighborhoods around Patrick Henry and occasionally getting a ride out to the beach when once we ran all the way up to Black’s Beach (the nude beach), which turned out to be a bit of a disappointment and made us run even faster the way back. I also remember the 24-hour track relay when our entire team of girls rallied through the night setting a national record, even beating out our awesome boys’ team.

And I clearly remember how talented of a runner Kim was. I like to tell the girls how fun it was to watch Kim run the 800 meters. Kim would be in the back of the pack, clearly looking like she was giving it her all. But, in the final turn of the last lap, out of nowhere, would come this amazing kick. Even though Kim looked to have absolutely nothing left, she would manage to pass every, single, person…to win. To our girls, Kim is a legend.

Kim is still a winner…and I am so honored that she is now an OESHer…slopping through raw milk, mud and whooshing creeks. Jayme is hoping that this summer when she goes to her banjo camp in Northern California, she can meet and go for a run with Kim.

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I bought a pair of the “Lea” shoes in Storm Cloud color. In photos on the website this shoe appears to be a light green color or a lavender color, depending on the photo. I would have been happy with either one. The shoes I received are neither color but are definitely gray. This is also a good color and I was happy to see them. They are extremely comfortable. I’ve had surgery on both feet and currently have a neuroma plus 2 stress fractures. These shoes have helped tremendously to decrease my foot pain. The only problem I had was to see a label inside the shoes stating “Made in China”. As per the following, I was lead to believe that these shoes were made in Virginia.
VISIT US ON SATURDAYS BETWEEN 12PM – 3PM AT 705 DALE AV.
OESH manufacturing is clean, green, and sustainable—the envy of the Goliaths—and we ship our footwear to OESHers on every continent. In the heart of Virginia, for just a few hours every week, the factory is open because our customers say they love seeing an international business in action. Click this play button to discover what women all over the world have come to love—and we love to ask—WHERE WILL OESH TAKE YOU?read more

Diana Davis

14:35 25 Nov 17

I have had painful feet for several years with fallen arches and bunions. I researched shoes that could help alleviate the pain but also look professional for work and I found OESH. I purchased a pair of the Elites in jet black and I am thrilled with them! They are extremely comfortable with or without my orthotics and they look great for work or to wear casually! I love them so much that I just purchased a pair of Elites in dark earth! They are well made shoes and very light weight! My feet are happy for the first time in years! My next purchase will be the La Vidas!! The quality of customer service is as excellent as the quality of their shoes and highly recommend OESH!read more

Danielle Smith

03:41 20 Nov 17

I love my OESH running shoes! They are a great fit and pretty comfortable If it's wet outside, you're feet will likely get wet. Definitely recommend this company!read more

frozenpeasny

18:11 30 Oct 17

I have a pair of black Oesh sneakers. They're very comfortable and lightweight. Their zero-drop, foot-shaped design allows for ample room for the toes to spread, and the sole is soft, flexible, and well-cushioned. They also have a pretty streamlined appearance compared to other foot-shaped shoes. I hope they manufacturer will consider making a lace-up shoe in leather.read more

Lisa C

16:19 18 Oct 17

How much difference can a shoe really make? A whole lot! Try OESH and see for yourself. Your OESH will provide you a completely new and greatly improved standing and walking experience (I'm not a runner). Foot discomfort -- gone! Pinching, squeezing, rubbing, tingling -- gone! Lower back pain -- gone! All because of a shoe? Yes, OESH. Read about Casey's years of research and feel her passion. She is in this to help us get things right with our feet, shins, knees, hips, lower back. OESH is about our quality of life and our mobility for the long haul. Feel good today and know that you are buying into a more flexible and active future. This is a small company committed to doing things right. They choose to maintain control of a quality product that is continually refined and improved. They are responsive to your needs and feedback. The service you receive from online shoe shopping with OESH surpasses many in-person shoe buying experiences. Bob will be sure you get the right fit, no matter what. He is friendly and he knows his product. He responds promptly and you receive your shoes or exchanges quickly. Casey & Bob want you to be happy and healthy in properly fitting OESH. If you're ever in Charlottesville, VA, you should try to visit the OESH workshop. The experience reinforced my OESHER pride. I strongly urge you to give OESH a try.read more

Karen Cook-Enlow

04:34 15 Oct 17

I have several pair of Oesh. The sandals are fabulous for everything—especially walking to the grocery store and post office and neighborhood coffee shops. The La Vida make Jazzercise class so much easier than other kinds of shoes I’ve tried. Sizing has been a little confusing. My street shoe size is 7. The size 8’s are a little big but workable. I think I’ll go for 7.5 size next time I order.read more

Maryann Watkins

01:36 14 Oct 17

These shoes are the most comfortable I've worn in years and years! I have three pair of the La Vida v2.0 and a pair of the Athena sandals and they have made a huge difference in how my feet and legs feel on a daily basis.read more

Kelly Bassett

13:22 12 Oct 17

These sneakers are the best. I got them just before a trip to Disney World and I am so glad I did! Tons of nonstop walking over 6 days and I was the only one not complaining about sore feet after the first day. Even at the end of the week, no pain. If I wear shoes with less support I generally end up with back pain as well and experienced none of that this trip. These shoes are amazing. I did wear my normal sandals out the last night and totally regret not just wearing the sneakers . Might be time to get some OESH sandals as well!read more

Sue Frank Veale

21:41 27 Sep 17

I really like these shoes. They are comfortable and light weight. I want more.read more

Jenna Blaustein

16:59 26 Sep 17

Hands down, these are the most comfortable clogs I've ever worn. They are a terrific walking shoe and can also be worn with a dress. Couldn't ask for anything more!read more

Darleen Horton

23:20 15 Sep 17

I ordered the brown elite because I had severe pain from my morton's neuroma. I would have trouble sleeping because of the pain. After just 1 day of wearing these wonderful shoes, I was able to sleep thru the night with very little pain. I feel so much better with the Oesh shoes. Within a couple of days I ordered the black pair. I also have 2 pairs of the tennis shoes, which are also very good. But I do think that the elites are the best for my nueroma. GREAT SHOESread more

Alice Malcolm

15:57 20 Jun 17

The two pairs of shoes, one, sandals, the other brightly colored sports shoes, have proven to be what I hoped for. They are comfortable to
my oft complaining feet. Extra benefits: the shopping experience was casual, not rushed, sales people were exceptionally attentive.read more

Louise Browne

20:48 27 May 17

I injured my knee in 1992 but never had the recommended surgery. I've had good luck until recently when trying to go for a light jog and suffering for 2 weeks after where I had originally injured my knee. I read about these shoes for walking/jogging without causing knee pain, and when my knee started feeling better, I decided to order them and give them a try to see if I could get back out there. They arrived the size I ordered and normally wear, but my feet were squished. I contacted OESH by email and they sent a pair in a size larger immediately, while I sent the tight ones back to them. I tried on the larger size and going from size 8 to size 9 did the trick. They are wonderful and I have been jogging on a track with them and no knee issues and feet feel fine! Hooray and OESH was wonderful about the exchange and made it easy. I'm motivated for exercise again, thanks to these shoes.read more

Edrie Bays

20:39 21 May 17

I began with one pair of La Vida in saguaro and a pair of Athena sandals in maroon--the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned. I wore those two all summer with few others. I can wear them all day and have no foot pain! Amazing! I added another pair of La Vida (Rococo ) and the new sandal in red. There was a small flaw in the sole of the La Vida, which I had not noticed when purchasing. A quick email to Bob and I had a new pair in days. I wanted The Elite for winter and had a little problem with discomfort under one ankle. I sent them back; there had been a manufacturing flaw and again within the week, I had a replacement pair. I haven't worn the Elite yet; they have a different feel, so I'll have to wait to review them. I just ordered my third pair of La Vida ( in oxford); the sole is thicker and I haven't worn them yet, but the fit seems good. I'll add more after wearing the Elites and the newest La Vidas. Thank you for great shoes and super customer service !
Update:
Loving the oxford and wisteria La Vidas. So attractive and no foot pain--no breaking in required.There was a manufacturing glitch that left several pairs with cuts in the uppers. The corrections were only an email away! Best products and best customer service ever!!!read more

Barbara Church

18:41 08 May 17

Very comfortable. Haven't had them long enough to know how durable they are or life expectancy for the rather high pricetag.read more

judy jolley

13:52 04 May 17

I Googled "What kind of shoes will help me, I have had surgery for Morten's twice? Help me. I was directed to the Oesh Shoe site. Since, I now have tennis shoes, 2 pairs of sandals and a closed toe leather shoe. I will say the tennis shoe runs much smaller than normal, but the others are true to size. I have been blessed richly. Thanks OESH❣️read more

Samuel Caughron

15:19 31 Mar 17

These are the best people to work with. My wife and daughter have bought several shoes and love them. They are the best!read more

Robin Felder

18:18 14 Mar 17

The shoe professionals at OESH really know the physiology and physics of human gait and its impact on log term foot and leg health. They use this knowledge to create the ideal shoe experience that provides healthy comfort without sacrificing style. Do your joints a favor and wear OESH Shoes!read more

Rachel Pisor

04:23 04 Feb 17

I ordered a pair of black elites, and they didn't quite fit. I received excellent customer service and was able to exchange then for a pair of dark earth elites that fit much better. I'm very happy with my purchase.read more

Mary Beth Webb

00:22 24 Jan 17

OESH keeps getting better and better. I began wearing OESH shoes when they first came out due to long standing foot and knee pain, which are now gone. Family members have gotten on board and now family from 20 to 90 years old wear OESH shoes. They are so comfortable - like wearing pillows on your feet, but still supportive. With the varied style and color options and amazing customer service there is no need for any shoe but an OESH.read more

Elizabeth Geiger

11:55 08 Jan 17

These shoes are truly what they say - better for your body. You will feel it the minute you put them on. After a few months wearing nothing but OESH shoes, I can actually walk around barefoot now when that was unthinkable before. I have high arches and thought I shouldn't wear flat shoes. Wrong! I will say the sandals seem to have a denser sole than the covered shoes, which feel a little spongier. I can wear the sandals longer without sore feet.read more

Colleen Melody-Robinson

19:12 24 Dec 16

Love love love these shoes! I have two pairs of the sneakers and one pair of the sandals. They're light weight, great for running, walking, anything really. They alleviated my toe pain and seem to correct my stride. I might have to purchase the dress shoes because I'd like something a little less casual sometimes, but a pair of boots would be even better (are you listening design?) . Would definitely recommend!read more